The Beginning of the Gospel

1

This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.”

3

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”

4

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5

People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

6

John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.

7

And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

8

I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”